What Would Net Zero Shipping Look Like?

The global shipping industry has long been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for nearly 3% of the world’s total emissions, and equivalent to roughly one billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually. At a recent UN summit, countries took a significant step towards addressing this issue by committing to achieve net-zero shipping emissions “by or around 2050.” This monumental development, which was agreed upon at the annual meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), outlines a phased approach to reduce emissions by 20% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and eventually reach 100% by 2050, compared to 2008 levels.

Although this agreement is being hailed as a significant stride towards maritime decarbonization, some argue that it falls short of aligning the shipping industry with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C by the end of the century. To reach this ambitious goal, the shipping industry must undergo a profound transformation, involving new regulations, advanced infrastructure, and cleaner fuels. But what would net-zero shipping look like, and how can the industry achieve this ambitious target?

1. Wind-Powered Ships: One solution is to embrace an ancient technology—sailing. Wind propulsion is considered one of the most viable and sustainable energy sources for rapid decarbonization in shipping. Swedish company Oceanbird has already taken the lead, developing a prototype ship equipped with four sails. These sails not only propel the ship forward but also enhance its maneuverability and agility on the water. Although wind propulsion is still in its early stages, encouraging governments and investors to adopt this solution and retrofit existing ships with sails remains a challenge.
   
   

2. Hydrogen-Powered Ships: Deploying clean fuels such as hydrogen is critical for the shipping industry to achieve its net-zero goal. Green hydrogen, produced by using renewable energy to extract hydrogen from water molecules, is an emissions-free fuel. However, there are significant challenges to overcome in using hydrogen as a maritime fuel. Storing hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures (-253°C or -423°F) is necessary, and crew members must be thoroughly trained in handling this highly flammable fuel.
   
   

3. Methanol-Powered Ships: Maersk, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, is betting on green methanol to drive its decarbonization efforts. Green methanol, a low-carbon fuel, can be produced from sustainable biomass or by combining renewable electricity with oxygen and hydrogen extracted from water. Unlike hydrogen, green methanol does not require extreme cold or pressure for storage, and many ports already have the necessary infrastructure in place. However, the process of capturing CO2 from the atmosphere is still emerging, expensive, and unproven.
   
   

4. Electric Boats: Renewable batteries charged with clean electricity offer another option for curbing shipping emissions. However, the current limitation lies in their range, as renewable batteries are only suitable for smaller ships that make short journeys, such as ferries and river boats. For larger cargo ships crossing oceans, ship owners are exploring a combination of wind power and solar panels. Companies like Eco Marine Power have developed “EnergySails,” rigid sails fitted with solar panels, allowing ships to utilize both solar and wind energy simultaneously.
   
   

5. Green Infrastructure: Transitioning to green fuels on vessels requires a substantial increase in green infrastructure at ports. This includes hydrogen-generating electrolysers, renewable energy capacity (such as wind and solar power), battery and hydrogen storage facilities. Moreover, most ships will need retrofitting to enable them to run on green fuels, utilize wind propulsion, and integrate digital software to enhance efficiency and optimize routes.
   
   

While achieving net-zero shipping emissions by 2050 is an ambitious goal, it is essential for mitigating climate change’s impact and preserving the planet for future generations. The agreement reached at the IMO meeting is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but it is crucial for governments, shipping companies, and investors to continue working together to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies, incentivize sustainable practices, and ensure the shipping industry becomes a leader in the global fight against climate change. By embracing innovative solutions, investing in green infrastructure, and implementing stringent regulations, the shipping industry can pave the way toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all.